Romans 8

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Paul has put humanity in two categories. Those who follow their desires and ambitions and those who love and submit to God's authority (also known as having the holy spirit). For Christians it is often wise to reflect scripture before making decisions, would this honour the one who died for me or would it just feed into my own worldy satisfaction.

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
It is indeed a blessing that I'm not in a country in which people are persecuted for their faith in social or economic matters. However, I dare not become complacent with my lukewarm behaviour and the world's growing tolerance of pagan practices. This can be things such as sticking to my clique at church and showing no interest in the others/newcomers, or reading my bible extensively but failing to have a good quality prayer life. Jesus calls all of us to pick up our cross, practise the self denial of our selfish indulgences and to even give up my own rights/entitlements. I don't have a right to complain to God about the great sacrifice I had to make to grow with him and my current loneliness. For I understand that this is all for the exaltation of God's glory and I must remember that the only man in history to be untainted in sin, embody one of absolute purity suffered a much greater price then I ever did. The temporary sadness I face on this earth is for a much higher cause and i should be glad that I can not just proclaim God but also share in his glory.